List of top English Core Questions on Reading Comprehension

Read the following passage carefully:
(1) A recent survey conducted by an independent research firm sought to measure levels of happiness among youth aged 16–24 years in seven countries. The findings revealed some intriguing insights into what makes today’s youth happiest, as well as which fac tors influence their overall well-being. In India, an overwhelming majority of the youth reported feeling satisfied with their lives, with 87% rating their overall happiness as ‘high’ or ‘very high.’ Financial security was identified as the primary source of happiness for 66%, followed by family support (89%), having a purpose in life (50%), and work or studies (40%). Unfortunately, 65% reported feeling stress related to academic performance or workload, while 25% reported feeling lonely. These figures point to a need for increased mental health support among India’s youth. 
(2) These surveys also revealed that family support is an important source of contentment for young people across countries. In Europe, 59% of respondents said that their families were a major source of happiness; in France this figure was 67%, and 63% in Germany. In North America, 64% rated family as an important factor for well-being in Canada, while 61% did so in the United States. Similarly, 89% of survey respondents in India named family support as a major contributor to their overall contentment level. 
(3) It is clear that stress has a significant impact on the happiness of today’s youth. The findings suggest that young people need better resources to manage their mental health and well-being. This may include access to counselling services, mindfulness activities and support groups to help them cope with challenging circumstances. It is also important to provide financial support so as to reduce some of the economic pressures. 
(4) In India, 65% of youth surveyed reported feeling anxious about their academic performance or workload, while 25% felt lonely. These figures are especially significant given how important family support is for young people’s overall contentment. 
Answer the following question, based on the above passage:

Read the following passage carefully:
(1) The term Artificial Intelligence spells a future in which this emerging technology will impact every aspect of human existence. In fact, little do we know, it has already crept into our lives, slowly, but surely. Look around you — education, health care, industry, innovation, robots, robotic surgeries, transportation, home service — it’s already there. It will change the lifestyle of everyone from the technology industry to normal people.
(2) The past fifteen years have seen considerable AI advances in education. You enter school and AI takes your attendance using face recognition. Various applications are in wide use by educators and learners today. AI technologies assist teachers in the class room. Learning at home is likely to expand significantly, along with learning based on  virtual reality applications. Though quality education will always require active engagement by human teachers, AI promises to enhance education at all levels, especially by providing personalization at scale. 
(3) The evolution of new technologies, mobile, and the Internet are changing lifestyles. Artificial intelligence is playing an important role in every sector such as banking, driving, education, e-commerce, electronics, robotics. Systems of artificial intelligence are aiming to stimulate execution and decision-making that is human-like. In targeted ap plications, substantial increases in the future uses of AI technologies, including more driverless cars, healthcare diagnostics and targeted treatments, and physical assistance for elder care can be expected. AI and robotics will also be applied across the globe in industries struggling such as agriculture, food processing and factories. They will facilitate delivery of online purchases through flying drones, self-driving trucks or robots. 
(4) AI-based applications could improve health outcomes and quality of life for millions of people in the coming years — prime applications include clinical decision support, patient monitoring and coaching, automated devices to assist in surgery or patient care, and management of healthcare systems. Recent successes, such as mining social media to infer possible health risks, machine learning to predict patients at risk, and robotics to support surgery have expanded a sense of possibility for AI in healthcare. 
(5) People’s future relationships with machines will become ever more personalized as AI systems learn to adapt to individual personalities, ambitions and goals. These AI ap plications will help monitor people’s well-being, alert them to the impending risks, and deliver services when needed or wanted. 
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: 
Answer the following questions in about 40– 50 words each

Read the following extracts and answer the questions on ANY ONE of the given two.

Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer.
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,
Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,
Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are
And one did stop, but only to plow up grass
In using the yard to back and turn around;
And another to ask the way to where it was bound;

(A Roadside Stand)

Read the text given below:

1. People below the age of 20 and above the age of 50 are more likely to believe fake news. Those relatively new to the use of the internet still do not grasp the concept of fake information over these platforms, reveals a new survey "Countering Misinformation in India." This survey has been conducted jointly by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

2. At least 40% of the respondents believed in "misinformation" received over social media if it came with leading backgrounds and evidence, while 34% of them believe the information when it is shared by a trustworthy organization.

3. The dominant factor that drives people to forward such information is their belief that it might benefit others and help in their safety. In fact, that was the response of almost 50% of the respondents. This was compounded by the fact that at least 20% of the respondents expressed their lack of trust in conventional media, thus placing their faith in content shared by common people over social media.

4. But even then, newspapers still remain the top source of information for most. At least 53% of the respondents trust what is generally perceived as neutral media, and only 29% trust technology and social media platforms.

5. However, what was surprising was that almost 45% of the respondents did not even know about the existence of fact-checking organizations, and most did not even know that journalists had to verify data before they let it out. Only 26% of the respondents believe that it is the responsibility of the media to curb or identify fake news. Many respondents also put the responsibility of identifying such fake news on individuals.

6. The survey has found that first-time or early users of internet platforms are more susceptible to fake news than others. There is a need for building capacities and creating a National Civic Digital Literacy Strategic Plan.

Read the text given below

1. Five enterprises received approval and grants for prototype development of sustainable educational toys.

2. The government authorities, educational institutions, and EdTech start-ups are planning to introduce state-of-the-art, made-in-India educational toys that not only throw light on Indian values and civilizations but also help in developing children’s critical thinking and decision-making skills.

3. One such enterprise is working on different types of projects that can teach children how electromagnets and magnetic fields work. These projects can resolve a lot of issues in many schools in tier two and three cities that don't have proper infrastructure. Another is working on an excavation site to teach children about ancient Indian civilizations. It has implanted a few artifacts at the site, which the children will have to find so that they learn how to preserve and label artifacts. Another start-up has proposed to create miniaturized labs for schools in tier two and three cities where children can learn concepts of Physics. "We will ensure that these prototypes are developed within a year and then the production can be scaled up," says the senior manager of the project, talking about the importance of indigenously-built educational toys.

4. Playtime is vital for the cognitive development of children, and toys are an essential component that helps enhance specific cognitive abilities and skill sets. "Well-designed toys ignite students’ curiosity, increase focus, and can be very beneficial in helping them master a skill and enhance understanding. These can be in the form of visuals, auditory aids, kinesthetic, or a mixture of all three," says the HOD of Early Childhood Education.

5. Toys offer an engaging avenue to teach mathematical, verbal, and problem-solving skills. "Toys that engage students in experiential learning enhance their spatial awareness and fine motor skills. Those designed for two or more players help students develop better social skills as they learn to negotiate, settle differences, etc., with their peers."

6. Experiential gadgets and toys enable students to learn faster and retain lessons longer. "A child's interest is piqued when taught in a contextual framework as opposed to rote learning. The Indian education system has been witnessing several innovations with the development of toys and gadgets that can be used and felt in person or through VR platforms across subjects, be it Science, Technology, Math, or Engineering."

Read the following passage carefully:
1. People below the age of 20 and above the age of 50 are more likely to believe fake news. Those relatively new to the use of the internet still do not grasp the concept of fake information over these platforms, reveals a new survey "Countering Misinformation in India." This survey has been conducted jointly by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
2. At least 40% of the respondents believed in "misinformation" received over social media if it came with leading backgrounds and evidence, while 34% of them believe the information when it is shared by a trustworthy organization.
3. The dominant factor that drives people to forward such information is their belief that it might benefit others and help in their safety. In fact, that was the response of almost 50% of the respondents. This was compounded by the fact that at least 20% of the respondents expressed their lack of trust in conventional media, thus placing their faith in content shared by common people over social media.
4. But even then, newspapers still remain the top source of information for most. At least 53% of the respondents trust what is generally perceived as neutral media, and only 29% trust technology and social media platforms.
5. However, what was surprising was that almost 45% of the respondents did not even know about the existence of fact-checking organizations, and most did not even know that journalists had to verify data before they let it out. Only 26% of the respondents believe that it is the responsibility of the media to curb or identify fake news. Many respondents also put the responsibility of identifying such fake news on individuals.
6. The survey has found that first-time or early users of internet platforms are more susceptible to fake news than others. There is a need for building capacities and creating a National Civic Digital Literacy Strategic Plan.

Read the following passage carefully:
1. Five enterprises received approval and grants for prototype development of sustainable educational toys.
2. The government authorities, educational institutions, and EdTech start-ups are planning to introduce state-of-the-art, made-in-India educational toys that not only throw light on Indian values and civilizations but also help in developing children’s critical thinking and decision-making skills.
3. One such enterprise is working on different types of projects that can teach children how electromagnets and magnetic fields work. These projects can resolve a lot of issues in many schools in tier two and three cities that don't have proper infrastructure. Another is working on an excavation site to teach children about ancient Indian civilizations. It has implanted a few artifacts at the site, which the children will have to find so that they learn how to preserve and label artifacts. Another start-up has proposed to create miniaturized labs for schools in tier two and three cities where children can learn concepts of Physics. "We will ensure that these prototypes are developed within a year and then the production can be scaled up," says the senior manager of the project, talking about the importance of indigenously-built educational toys.
4. Playtime is vital for the cognitive development of children, and toys are an essential component that helps enhance specific cognitive abilities and skill sets. "Well-designed toys ignite students’ curiosity, increase focus, and can be very beneficial in helping them master a skill and enhance understanding. These can be in the form of visuals, auditory aids, kinesthetic, or a mixture of all three," says the HOD of Early Childhood Education.
5. Toys offer an engaging avenue to teach mathematical, verbal, and problem-solving skills. "Toys that engage students in experiential learning enhance their spatial awareness and fine motor skills. Those designed for two or more players help students develop better social skills as they learn to negotiate, settle differences, etc., with their peers."
6. Experiential gadgets and toys enable students to learn faster and retain lessons longer. "A child's interest is piqued when taught in a contextual framework as opposed to rote learning. The Indian education system has been witnessing several innovations with the development of toys and gadgets that can be used and felt in person or through VR platforms across subjects, be it Science, Technology, Math, or Engineering."

Read the following extract and answer the questions
My introduction to the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. But in a little while I gathered confidence. I paddled with my new water wings, watching the other boys and trying to learn by aping them. I did this two or three times on different days.

Read the following extract and answer the questions
For a moment I thought of running away and spending the day out of doors. It was so warm, so bright! The birds were chirping at the edge of the woods; and in the open field back of the sawmill the Prussian soldiers were drilling. It was all much more tempting than the rule for participles, but I had the strength to resist, and hurried off to school.

Read the following extract and answer the questions
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.

Read the following extract and answer the questions
I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that of a corpse and realized with
pain
that she was as old as she
looked but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes.

Read the following passage carefully:
Without specialised equipment, humans would be lost in these deep-sea habitats, so how do fish make it seem so easy? Much of this is due to a biological phenomenon known as electroreception the ability to perceive and act upon electrical stimuli as part of the overall senses. This ability is only found in aquatic and amphibious species because water is an efficient conductor of electricity.
One fascinating use of electroreception has been observed between the weakly electric fish. When two such electric fish meet in the ocean using the same frequency, each fish will then shift the frequency of its discharge so that they are transmitting on different frequencies. Doing so prevents their electroreception faculties from becoming jammed.
Electroreception can also play an important role in animal defences. Rays are one such example. Young ray embryos develop inside egg cases that are attached to the sea bed. The embryos keep their tails in constant motion to pump water and allow them to breathe through the egg’s casing. If the embryo’s electroreceptors detect the presence of a predatory fish in the vicinity, however, the embryo stops moving (and in doing so, ceases transmitting electric currents) until the predator has moved on.
Many people fear swimming in the ocean because of sharks. Sharks hunt with extraordinary precision. They initially lock on to their prey through a keen sense of smell. As the shark reaches the proximity of its prey, it tunes into electrical signals that ensure a precise strike on its target. This sense is so strong that the shark even attacks blind by letting its eyes recede for protection. In areas where shark attacks on humans are likely to occur, scientists are exploring ways to create artificial electroreceptors. These would disorient the sharks and repel them from swimming beaches.

Read the following passage carefully:
1. As a young adult, life can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Juggling among school, work, social life, and other responsibilities, it can be easy to feel alone and disconnected from the world around us. Dogs are the ultimate companions for anyone looking to alleviate stress and loneliness. We’ll explore many reasons why dogs make the best companions for young adults.
Unconditional love: Dogs are known for their loyalty and love for their owners, no matter what. They don’t judge us, criticize us, or hold grudges against us. No matter how flawed or imperfect we may be, our dogs will always love us unconditionally. This kind of unwavering support and affection can be incredibly comforting for young adults struggling to find their place in the world.
3. Social connection: Dogs are great ice-breakers and conversation starters. Whether you’re walking them in the park, taking them to the dog beach, or simply hanging out at home, dogs have a way of bringing people together. For young adults who may feel isolated or disconnected from their peers, having a dog by their side can be a great way to connect with others and form new friendships.
4. Increase physical activity: Dogs require regular exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. This means that young adults who own dogs are more likely to engage in physical activity themselves. Whether it’s going for a run, playing frisbee, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, getting out with your dog can be a great way to boost your mood and energy levels.
5. Emotional support: Dogs are also great emotional support animals for those struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Their presence alone can provide a sense of calm and comfort, and their ability to sense their owner’s emotions can be incredibly comforting. For young adults dealing with mental health challenges, having a dog as a companion can be a life-changing experience.
6. Improve responsibility and self-care: Owning a dog also comes with a great deal of responsibility and self-care. Dogs require regular feeding, grooming, exercise, and attention, which can be a great way for young adults to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. Additionally, having a dog as a companion can encourage young adults to take better care of themselves, such as making sure they get enough sleep, eat healthy, and engage in regular exercise.
7. For all these reasons and more, dogs make fantastic companions for young adults. Whether you’re looking for emotional support, social connection, increased physical activity, or simply someone to love and be loved by, a dog can provide all these things and more. So the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, consider finding a furry friend to take on the world with you.

The little old house was out with a little new shed
in front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped.
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread.
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.

(A Roadside Stand)

Aunt Jennifer's fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle's wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer's hand.
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by,
The Tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

(Aunt Jennifer's Tigers)

Memories of Childhood

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

I did not open my mouth to answer. Then the steps were quickened, and the voices became excited. The sounds came nearer and nearer. Women and girls entered the room. I held my breath and watched them open closet doors and peep behind large trunks. Someone threw up the curtains, and the room was filled with sudden light. What caused them to stoop and look under the bed, I do not know. I remember being dragged out, though I resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. In spite of myself, I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.

Journey to the End of the Earth

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

Human civilizations have been around for a paltry 12,000 years—barely a few seconds on the geological clock. In that short amount of time, we’ve managed to create quite a ruckus, etching our dominance over nature with our villages, towns, cities, and megacities. The rapid increase of human populations has left us battling with other species for limited resources, and the unmitigated burning of fossil fuels has now created a blanket of carbon dioxide around the world, which is slowly but surely increasing the average global temperature.

The Last Lesson

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

I heard M. Hamel say to me, “I won’t scold you, little Franz: you must feel bad enough, see how it is! Every day we have said to ourselves, Bah! I’ve plenty of time. I’ll learn it tomorrow. And now you see where we’ve come out. Ah, that’s the great trouble with Alsace; she puts off learning till tomorrow. Now those fellows out there will have the right to say to you, ‘How is it; you pretend to be Frenchmen, and yet you can neither speak nor write your own language?’ But, you are not the worst, poor little Franz. We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with.”

The Last Lesson

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:

I heard M. Hamel say to me, “I won’t scold you, little Franz: you must feel bad enough, see how it is! Everyday we have said to ourselves, Bah! I’ve plenty of time. I’ll learn it tomorrow. And now you see where we’ve come out. Ah, that’s the great trouble with Alsace; she puts off learning till tomorrow. Now those fellows out there will have the right to say to you, ‘How is it; you pretend to be Frenchmen, and yet you can neither speak nor write your own language?’ But, you are not the worst, poor little Franz. We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with.”

(The Last Lesson)